Introduction to Relationship Anarchy
Dating’s youngest trend is not about punk rock, but about a new approach to relationships known as "relationship anarchy." A recent report from the sex-positive app Feeld and pedagogue Ruby Rare found that a growing number of people, particularly Gen-Zers, are rejecting traditional relationship models and embracing this radical approach to love and connection.
What is Relationship Anarchy?
Relationship anarchy, a term coined by Swedish writer Andie Nordgren in 2006, is a radical, anti-hierarchical, and anti-capitalist approach to love and relationships. It challenges the idea that love is a limited resource that can only be real if it is limited to a few people. Instead, relationship anarchy promotes mutual care and connection in all relationships, regardless of whether they are romantic or not.
Principles of Relationship Anarchy
The principles of relationship anarchy are based on politically anarchic principles, which take intentionality and self-reflection. It requires examining the relationships you currently have in your life and reflecting on what you want to achieve. As Ruby Rare puts it, "You have to examine the relationships you currently have in your life, and reflect on and deep dive. Do you only go through the movements?" Relationship anarchy is not about rejecting traditional relationships but about creating a more fulfilling and meaningful connection with others.
Benefits of Relationship Anarchy
The report from Feeld found that people who practice relationship anarchy report feeling less lonely and more supported. However, it’s not all bliss and pillow talks. Relationship anarchy can be challenging, and it requires effort to navigate the complexities of multiple relationships. As Rare notes, "It is difficult to find out what your limits are, but I don’t think that relationships should be afraid of building relationships in building relationships."
A New Approach to Love and Connection
Relationship anarchy promotes a new approach to love and connection, one that prioritizes mutual care and respect in all relationships. Instead of prioritizing sexual exclusivity or the "romance of the Disney fairy tale," relationship anarchy encourages people to build meaningful connections with others, regardless of whether they are romantic or not. As one advocate of relationship anarchy puts it, "Everyone is taught the rules at a young age: one person in their life should be everything." However, relationship anarchy offers a different approach, one that values freedom and mutual care over traditional notions of romance and exclusivity.
Embracing the Chaos
Relationship anarchy is not about perfection; it’s about freedom and embracing the chaos of human connection. As Ruby Rare puts it, "The human connection is naturally messy. The better we hug the hug, the better we can enjoy our lives." For many people, relationship anarchy offers a more fulfilling and meaningful approach to love and connection, one that values mutual care and respect over traditional notions of romance and exclusivity.
